Connect with us:
[email protected]
Country Directory
Europe
🇭🇺

Hungary

HU

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Hungary.

Authority

HIPO

PCT

31 mo

Madrid

Member

Search

HIPO Online Services
Get a Hungary Quote Ask an Expert

Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

  1. 1

    Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Hungary

  2. 2

    Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority

  3. 3

    Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Hungary

Hungarian invention patents can be obtained through the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office (HIPO, national route) or the European Patent Office (EPO). Hungary is a member of the European Patent Convention (EPC) and the EU — European patents designating Hungary take effect after grant and validation; the Unitary Patent also covers Hungary. The standard patent term is 20 years from the filing date. Hungary also has a utility model system.

Patent Filing Routes ▾
1. **HU national patent** — Filed in Hungarian with HIPO; Hungary-only protection; 2. **European patent (EPO)** — Filed via EPO, designating Hungary; validated after grant; 3. **Unitary Patent** — Unitary effect request after EPO grant covers Hungary and other participating states; 4. **PCT route** — PCT applications can enter the European phase (EPO) or HU national phase.

Source: HIPO; EPO official website

Utility Model ▾
Hungary has a utility model system with a shorter term and simpler examination procedure, suitable for inventions requiring fast protection. Specific terms and renewal rules are available on the HIPO website.

Source: HIPO official website

Unitary Patent Coverage ▾
Hungary participates in the EU Unitary Patent system. After EPO grant, requesting unitary effect covers all participating states without per-country validation, reducing total IP maintenance costs.

Source: EPO Unitary Patent information

Patent Term ▾
Hungarian invention patents have a standard term of 20 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.

Source: HIPO; EPO

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Hungary

Hungarian trademarks can be registered nationally via HIPO, obtained via EUIPO as an EUTM (covering all EU states), or designated in a Madrid international application.

Trademark Filing Routes ▾
1. **HU national trademark** — Filed in Hungarian with HIPO; Hungary only; 2. **EU Trade Mark (EUTM)** — Filed with EUIPO; covers all 27 EU states including Hungary; 3. **Madrid application** — Hungary can be designated; HIPO handles examination.

Source: HIPO; EUIPO; WIPO Madrid

Registration Term and Renewal ▾
Hungarian national trademarks are valid for 10 years, renewable every 10 years indefinitely.

Source: HIPO official website

Madrid Member Since ▾
Hungary has been a member of the Madrid System since 1909, making it one of the system's oldest members. Budapest can be designated in Madrid international trademark applications.

Source: WIPO Madrid member information

Patent Annuity

Hungary Patent Annuities

Hungarian patent annuities: European patents (including Unitary Patent) pay to EPO; national patents pay to HIPO. Engage a local representative to manage your annuity schedule.

Source: HIPO; EPO

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Hungary Trademark Renewals

Hungarian trademarks are valid for 10 years, renewed with HIPO (national) or EUIPO (EUTM), every 10 years.

Source: HIPO; EUIPO

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Hungary IP

Does Hungary participate in the Unitary Patent? ▾
Yes. Hungary participates in the Unitary Patent. A unitary effect request after EPO grant covers Hungary and other participating states.
Does an EUTM cover Hungary? ▾
Yes. An EUTM covers all 27 EU member states, including Hungary.
How long does a Hungarian invention patent last? ▾
20 years from the filing date, subject to annual fees.
What is the PCT national phase deadline for Hungary? ▾
Typically 31 months from the priority date (via EPO European phase).
Can Hungary be designated in a Madrid trademark application? ▾
Yes. Hungary has been a Madrid member since 1909. Hungary can be designated in Madrid international trademark applications.
How long is a Hungarian trademark valid? ▾
10 years, renewable indefinitely.
Does Hungary have utility model protection? ▾
Yes. Hungary has a utility model system with a shorter term and simpler procedure, suitable for inventions needing quick protection.
What language is required for Hungarian IP filings? ▾
Hungarian national applications must be filed in Hungarian. EPO/EUIPO applications can use the respective office's accepted languages.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

Hungarian Intellectual Property Office (HIPO) www.hipo.gov.hu/en/ European Patent Office (EPO) www.epo.org EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) euipo.europa.eu WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide — Hungary (HU) www.wipo.int/pct/en/appguide/

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

Need IP assistance in Hungary?

Use our quote tool for an estimate, or contact our experts directly.

Get a Quote → Contact Us